How to Repair My Garage Door Cables?

Wondering what that weird, creaky noise is every time you open your garage door?

And not to mention, the awkward new dance your door is now doing every time it tries to open.

We hate to tell you this, but there is a strong possibility that your garage door might be broken.

And don’t even think about fixing it yourself! Okay, you probably will want to but let us tell you why you might want to consider hiring some professional help.

First, we will walk you through all the parts of your garage door system to give you some insight on how the whole operation works. Keep in mind, there are several types of hardware that all concurrently work together and if one thing breaks, the whole system fails.

If you know how each part of your garage door contributes to its overall function, repairing the door will come much more naturally to you.

The Main Hardware Systems of a Garage Door

Cables

The cables are located on each side of the garage door where they work together with the springs to offset the weight. Cables are an important part of your garage door due to the fact that they help your door move simultaneously by transferring the movement from the spring to start the operation. Cables are also referred to as life cables for this reason.

Good to know! Don’t confuse lift and safety cables!

Safety cables are installed to prevent damage from a spring-related accident. Since they are installed with extension springs, if a spring breaks, you will remain safe because the safety cables are in the center of the spring to keep pieces from flying.

Springs

There are 2 types of springs - torsions and extension springs - that can be used depending on the size of your garage door and the amount of room that is available. Each spring performs differently and is vital in understanding how your garage door operates.

Torsion springs

Torsion springs are placed on a metal rod on the wall above where the garage door opens. You will see that your garage door system has just one spring or it could have two springs. The number of springs depends on the size and weight of the door. The bigger and heavier the door, the more springs needed. Torsion springs are quieter and safer, compared to extension springs.

Torsion springs don't need safety cables since a shaft runs through the middle of the springs. At the bottom brackets of the door, there are lift cables that wind around drums at the end of the shaft when the door opens.

As the door opens, the torsion springs are forced to unwind. Stored energy is then released which helps the door to open. When the door closes, the spring goes back into its usual constricted state, storing energy for the next time the door needs to open.

Extension springs

Extension springs are used for lighter doors when there is not a lot of room above the door. Cables travel through pulleys from the bottom brackets of the door to then connect to the springs.

This spring system occurs above the horizontal tracks that the garage door slides on. A spring is placed on both sides of the garage door, so the door moves in unison. When the door is closed, tension is created in the springs since they are stretched to capacity. This acts as a counterbalance for when the door opens. Extension springs are also called stretch springs because of this function.

When you install extension springs, it’s critical to install safety cables, as well. The safety cables protect nearby objects or people if the spring ever breaks. If they break, they could violently shatter causing serious injury.

Torsion (on the left) and extension springs (on the right) look similar but their functions are different.

Regardless of which part of your garage door system you need to replace, we recommend purchasing from a garage door specialist as this will guarantee high-quality and durable components.

When Garage Cables Should Be Replaced?

It is natural for garage cables to wear down after use since they experience so much friction and heat with every use. It is important to keep an eye on your garage door cables and recognize when they need to be replaced.

Since your garage door is constantly moving up and down, there is constant friction among all the parts. If the door ever becomes misaligned on the track, other parts of the system can suffer from too much friction and break more easily. Because of this, frequent inspection is necessary.

Moisture is another factor to look out for especially if you live somewhere where it often rains or snows. On top of that, dirt and insects trapped in your wet cables can cause some serious rusting and corrosion.

Love how this house looks? This garage door is a Cambridge CS Design, 10' x 7', Ice White door and overlays, Clear Panoramic windows.

Preventive maintenance

Choosing to let a garage door professional examine your garage door system will help prevent any expensive and disasters from happening. How many times you use your garage will determine how often you need maintenance.

Since you are likely not a garage door specialist, it will be difficult for you to notice the general signs of wear and tear. Due to this, you should never wait too long to schedule a check-up! You may not be able to see the damage and think that everything is fine, but that may not be the case. Ignorance is indeed bliss, but, in this case, it might just be expensive.

Garage door technicians don’t just look at the individual part that is broken- they look at the whole system as a whole. If all parts are working properly, then deterioration will be delayed.

Annual maintenance inspections are paramount. However, you should aim to inspect your cables, springs, and other parts, monthly. To help you with this monthly inspection, we have prepared a checklist for you. This list will help prevent components from breaking and you will be able to maintain your garage door like a pro!

● Follow the manual guide

● Inspect all the parts every month

● Balance your garage door

● Lubricate your hardware

● Clean the tracks

Benefits of Hiring a Professional Garage Door Technician

Springs can break very suddenly and without warning. When they do, serious destruction can occur. That’s why it is very important to let a trained garage door technician help you fix your garage door instead of trying to do it yourself.

Garage door technicians are properly trained and hold the necessary tools and skills for this job. Their expertise allows them to fix a garage door safely and quickly.

Additionally, if you try to fix a garage door system by yourself without the necessary expertise, you may damage it even more resulting in more money and time wasted.

Here's what may happen if you try to fix your garage door yourself:

● Bodily injuries

A garage door can weigh, at the least, 150 pounds or 68 kilograms. Since cables and springs are under consistent tension, if they ever break, that 150-pound door can come crashing down on you.

● Property damages

If your garage door breaks, it may not only damage you but also any of your possessions that are surrounding the area, your car for example. You will now have to add on the cost of replacing or repairing your damaged possessions to the cost of your even more damaged garage door.

● Thieves

If you end up destructing your garage door more, your home will now be an open invitation to possible intruders with poor intentions.

How about this look? This garage door is a North Hatley LP Design, 9' x 8' size, Moka Brown color, with Clear windows.

Contact our Garage Door Experts

You can trust garage door professionals like ours to help you with any work that needs to be done on your garage door who are all certified to perform garage door replacements. They will inspect, adjust, and test your garage door system during their visit.

Save time and money in the long run with our garage door services, including maintenance and repair. You have the option of participating in our annual maintenance program or paying on an hourly basis.

Have peace of mind knowing that your garage door is operating safely and smoothly all year round with Cliff's Overhead Doors!

For any garage door service, contact us now at 519-631-1507!

On top of our excellent maintenance and repair services, we have other essential garage door services beginning with useful information! A garage door adds character to your home, on top of being very convenient. If you keep it properly maintained, it can last for decades so take your time when making a choice.

If you’re thinking to replace your garage door, we have divided them into the 3 most popular home styles, so it’s easier to find the perfect one to suit your exterior. Of course, our specialists can also help you choose the garage door color, design, and accessories that align to your budget.

Contact us today or get a free quotation by email if it’s more convenient for you.